Latest news with #MilkorUAE
IOL News
29-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
SA defence company Milkor signs MoU with South Korea's Hanwha Systems to integrate radar tech into drone
The Milkor 380 is the latest solution for Unmanned Aerial Systems, and the largest UAV ever to be developed, tested, and manufactured in Africa. Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers South African defence company Milkor, a prominent manufacturer of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a leading South Korean defence technology company, Hanwha Systems, to deliver a fully integrated, export-ready surveillance and reconnaissance capability to both regional and international markets. The MOU, signed at the 2025 Paris Air Show, will see Hanwha Systems integrate their Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) system onboard the Milkor 380. The MoU was signed by Julian Coetzee, CEO of Milkor UAE, and Hyuck Park, Senior Vice President of Hanwha Systems' Defence Electronics Business Division. CEO of Milkor UAE, Julian Coetzee, said: 'This partnership brings together two highly capable organisations that complement one another.' 'We are looking forward to our continued collaborative efforts with Hanwha. By combining our resources and expertise, we believe we can create great opportunities, not just in the Middle East but across international markets.' The Milkor 380 is a multi-role UAV designed for Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR), and precision strike missions. It boasts over 35 hours of endurance, a payload capacity exceeding 220kg, and a range greater than 4,000 km. The platform features multiple hardpoints, SATCOM capabilities, and a modular open systems architecture, making it highly adaptable for a wide range of mission profiles. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Milkor's communications director, Daniel du Plessis, said: 'As a proudly South African defence company, Milkor is constantly seeking ways to ensure that our capabilities remain market relevant and offer a complete solution to our clients. 'This includes collaboration with world-leading companies, like Hanwha Systems, which offer advanced systems in radar surveillance capabilities. 'In the South African context, the Milkor 380 UAV offers substantial benefits to the economy, job creation and retention of critical skills within the defence industry,' Du Plessis said. 'Collaboration with reputable companies globally not only speaks volumes of the capabilities still within the South African defence industry but creates additional opportunities to market these capabilities on a global stage.' Head of Business Development: Africa, Daniel du Plessis, explained that they are moving away from a development phase, and transitioning into scaling their industrialisation efforts. Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers
Khaleej Times
12-03-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Milkor UAE unveils new concept of Interceptor Craft for maritime security
Abu Dhabi-based Milkor UAE has introduced an innovative maritime security vessel, the Milkor Interceptor, a state-of-the-art 30-meter patrol craft designed to enhance operational efficiency and situational awareness for naval and coast guard forces. Developed entirely in the UAE, the Milkor Interceptor is engineered for high-speed response missions, offering an advanced approach to maritime threat mitigation. Featuring the latest technology in Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) capabilities, rapid interception potential, and an efficient operational design, the vessel is set to revolutionise modern naval operations. Designed for Rapid Littoral Missions The Milkor Interceptor is purpose-built for missions requiring swift deployment and situational control, making it an invaluable asset for maritime law enforcement. One of its key functions is countering piracy, a persistent threat in international waters. With the rise of piracy-related incidents, the Interceptor provides navies and coast guards with the necessary tools to deter, track, and neutralise hostile elements swiftly. Illegal fishing is another growing concern for maritime authorities, as unauthorized vessels encroach on protected waters, leading to economic and environmental damage. The Interceptor's advanced surveillance and rapid-response capabilities ensure effective monitoring and interception of such activities. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in combatting maritime drug trafficking. Smugglers frequently exploit vast oceanic spaces to transport illicit goods, and the Interceptor's speed and extended range make it a formidable deterrent against such operations. Game-Changing UAV integration for superior surveillance One of the defining features of the Milkor Interceptor is its integration of a VTOL UAV platform, significantly enhancing its surveillance capabilities. Unlike conventional patrol vessels that rely solely on ship-mounted sensors with limited range, the Interceptor incorporates a large, dedicated launch pad and operational support facilities. This system accommodates unmanned aerial vehicles with a wingspan of up to 3.5 meters, offering a considerable advantage in reconnaissance and intelligence gathering. The UAV system extends the vessel's surveillance reach by an impressive 100 to 150 kilometres, operating at altitudes between 5,000 and 10,000 feet. This capability addresses a major limitation of traditional maritime security vessels, which often struggle with line-of-sight constraints. The UAVs deployed from the Interceptor provide real-time intelligence, enabling continuous monitoring and eliminating potential blind spots. Moreover, the UAV system acts as a force multiplier, significantly enhancing the vessel's ability to detect threats without requiring additional manned assets. High-speed interception for Rapid Threat Neutralisation Speed is a critical factor in maritime security, and the Milkor Interceptor is designed to outpace and intercept fast-moving threats effectively. Equipped with a powerful triple-engine propulsion system, the vessel achieves speeds of up to 50 knots, ensuring rapid response to various security challenges. Whether pursuing suspicious boats, intercepting illegal fishing vessels attempting to evade authorities, or halting high-speed drug smuggling operations, the Interceptor guarantees that threats are neutralised before they can escape territorial waters. The vessel's high-speed capability, combined with its advanced surveillance system, enables it to conduct preemptive security operations with precision. This rapid response feature is particularly beneficial in littoral zones where agility and speed are paramount for successful mission execution. Efficient crew operations and long-endurance missions Despite its sophisticated design and 30-metre length, the Milkor Interceptor is engineered for optimal crew efficiency. Requiring only 12 to 14 personnel for full operational capacity, the vessel reduces manpower costs while maximising mission effectiveness. The vessel's endurance is another standout feature. Designed to operate at sea for up to 14 days, it ensures sustained maritime security operations without the need for frequent docking. This extended endurance is vital for patrol missions covering vast maritime territories, allowing security forces to maintain a strong presence without operational downtime. To further enhance efficiency, the Interceptor is equipped with advanced automated systems that reduce crew workload and fatigue. Navigation, surveillance, and interception operations are seamlessly managed, ensuring peak performance even during extended missions. A benchmark in maritime security The Milkor Interceptor represents a significant leap forward in maritime security technology. By integrating an advanced VTOL UAV platform, high-speed interception capabilities, and an efficient crew model, it redefines how naval and coast guard forces conduct patrol and interdiction operations. As maritime threats continue to evolve, the demand for agile, technologically superior, and cost-effective security solutions is greater than ever. With the introduction of the Milkor Interceptor, Milkor UAE has set a new benchmark in littoral mission excellence. The vessel's innovative design ensures that security forces remain one step ahead, safeguarding territorial waters with precision, speed, and cutting-edge technology.
